has limited utility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has limited utility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not very useful or has restricted effectiveness in a particular context. Example: "While the tool is innovative, it has limited utility in complex projects that require extensive customization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Still, Dr. Neary said, the system has "limited utility unless it is universal" and rescue workers know to look for the ID.

The New York Times

Trump would greet many of Mueller's questions with his characteristic filibusters, but this practice has limited utility in the face of a disciplined questioner.

The New Yorker

After all, what value to a modern state is a weapon that has limited utility in war, but could be a terrible weapon for a terrorist or inexperienced guerrilla who turns an SA-7 toward a lumbering passenger jet?

The New York Times

The six-lane Sheridan Expressway, which runs at street level along the eastern edge of the rezoned area, is a short road, just over a mile long, with many detractors who say it has limited utility and have called for its removal.

The New York Times

As Mr. Obama's newly fallen director of central intelligence, David H. Petraeus, asked so succinctly a year ago, "Who wouldn't want a light-footprint strategy?" But implicit in Mr. Petraeus's arch question was the recognition that the strategy has limited utility.

The New York Times

But I realized that flying a small plane has limited utility.

Forbes

The downside is that the lowest common denominator lacks any precision and therefore has limited utility.

TechCrunch

DCE lacks standardisation and has limited utility in the TZ, where T2W/DWI are favoured.

Insights into Imaging

As with urethral tumours in males, MRI has limited utility in depicting stage I disease.

Insights into Imaging

Plain radiography has limited utility but is useful in demonstrating calcification.

Insights into Imaging

Therefore, the failure of the PRECEPT trial has limited utility for assessing the relationship between JNK activity and neurodegeneration [300].

Natural Products and Bioprospecting

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has limited utility", clearly specify the context in which the utility is limited. For example, instead of saying "This approach has limited utility", say "This approach has limited utility in large-scale clinical trials".

Common error

Avoid using "has limited utility" without providing specific reasons or examples. Vague statements can weaken your argument and leave readers confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has limited utility" functions as a descriptive statement indicating that something possesses restricted usefulness or effectiveness. Ludwig examples illustrate how this phrase is used to assess the practical value of various methods, tools, or strategies in different contexts. Ludwig confirms that is a valid english phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has limited utility" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something is not particularly useful or effective across a wide range of situations. Ludwig’s analysis shows that it is used in scientific articles, news reports, and formal business writing to convey critical assessments. When using this phrase, make sure to define the limitations clearly and contextualize when and why that utility is limited. Ludwig confirms, based on its examples, that "has limited utility" is indeed a correct and functional phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offers restricted usefulness

Emphasizes the constraint in how useful something is.

possesses marginal value

Highlights the small amount of worth or importance.

demonstrates reduced effectiveness

Focuses on the decrease in the ability to produce a desired result.

exhibits minimal practicality

Stresses the lack of real-world application.

is of narrow application

Highlights that something only applies to a small scope.

carries little weight

Indicates that something has little influence or significance.

suffers from significant drawbacks

Focuses on the disadvantages that limit its use.

presents certain limitations

Acknowledges restrictions or constraints.

is not particularly advantageous

Implies a lack of significant benefits or positive attributes.

lacks broad applicability

Underscores that something cannot be generally applied.

FAQs

What does "has limited utility" mean?

The phrase "has limited utility" means that something is not very useful or effective, or that its usefulness is restricted to certain situations.

What are some alternatives to "has limited utility"?

You can use alternatives like "offers restricted usefulness", "possesses marginal value", or "demonstrates reduced effectiveness" depending on the context.

How can I use "has limited utility" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "While the new software has some innovative features, it "has limited utility" for users with older computer systems."

Is it better to say "has limited utility" or "is useless"?

"Has limited utility" is generally more nuanced and professional than "is useless". It suggests that something may still have some value in specific contexts, whereas "is useless" implies no value at all.